cruising route Port Cassafières / Beaucaire / Saint-Gilles
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Port Cassafières - Beaucaire - Saint Gilles - 148 Km - 5 Locks - 21 h of navigation - 5 Nights
From Port Cassafières to Agde, 12 km, 2 Lock(s), 2 h of navigation
Stopover : Port Cassafières > Agde
Monument
Agde
Without doubt one of the oldest towns in Fance, Agde was built around 700 B.C. There a still a few remnants of this period, including a bronze bust, which is now on display at the musum in Cap d'Agde.
River constructions
the Round Lock of Agde
At the time of its construction at the crossing of the Hérault river and the Canal du Midi in 1680, this lock was a one of a kind piece of work.
River constructions
the passage of Libron
For lack of relief, it was impossible to build an aqueduct at the crossing of the Libron river and the Canal du Midi. In 1857, it was decided to build a metal structure with sluice gates, allowing the waters of the Libron to pass in the case of flooding. This is a unique structure.
Monument
The Greek city of Agde
Explore the city founded in the 6th century BC by the Phocaeans, featuring ancient ramparts, Saint Stephen’s Cathedral dating back to 872, and the churches of Saint Andrew and Saint Sever.
Monument
The Fort of Brescou
Visit Fort Brescou, built on a volcanic islet, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. It was originally constructed in 1586 and later rebuilt by Vauban in the 1680s.
Monument
Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
Visit Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Agde, a Romanesque-style building made of basalt stone, featuring a bell tower/donjon reaching 35 meters high and housing architectural and artistic treasures.
Nature
Volcanic cliffs
Explore the volcanic cliffs on a sensational walk along the coastal path offering spectacular views of the Grande Conque beach and the creeks formed by erosion.
Gastronomy
the Bourride à l'Agathoise
Swimming
The Cliffs Beach
This beach captivates with its black volcanic rocks, fine pink sand, and millions of pebbles. Accessible by stairs near a public parking lot, it offers a breathtaking view of the Cap d’Agde coastline.
Swimming
The Mole Beach
It features rides for children and pétanque courts. Additionally, it is located close to restaurants, shops, and bars. Accessible through pedestrian alleys, it offers the opportunity to swim at any time, with a lifeguard station on site.
Swimming
The Grande Conque Beach
It is distinguished by the presence of the legendary "Two Brothers" rocks surrounded by black sand. Accessible via a small staircase between the aquarium and the cliffs, this peaceful cove carved into volcanic rock has a permanently staffed lifeguard station.
Sports and leisure activities
Luna Park sur l’île des loisirs
Have fun with around thirty attractions in the heart of the marina.From Agde to Sète, 20 km, 1 Lock(s), 2.9 h of navigation
Stopover : Agde > Marseillan > Sète
Monument
Mèze
There are a few places of interest to discover in this old town dating from 600 B.C., with its fishing port at the edge of the Thau Lagoon: the Penitents' Chapel, the Church of Saint-Hilaire and the market buildings.
Monument
Sète
The birthplace of George Brassens, a fact celebrated by the museum dedicated to him, is located right between the Thau lagoon and the Mediterranean. Nautical jousting tournaments take place here from May to September.
Monument
Etang de Thau
A true inland sea between Sète and Marseillan, you will navigate on the largest body of water in Occitanie. You will enjoy pristine nature, a rich gastronomy featuring oysters and delicious wines, as well as a myriad of water activities.
Monument
La cathédrale de Maguelone
Explore the Maguelone Cathedral, located on an island between Sète and Palavas-les-Flots. Enjoy the trails, vineyards, and surrounding nature.
Monument
Marseillan
Marseillan is a charming town known for its economy based on fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The town attracts visitors with its beaches, marina, and vineyards, notably producing Muscat wine. Boasting a rich historical heritage, including the 13th-century Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, Marseillan also offers cultural events throughout the year.
Monument
Le Port de Marseillan
Visit the port of Marseillan-Ville, a former fishing and trading port, now transformed into a marina. Explore the docks, boats, and merchant houses.
Monument
Le Phare Saint-Louis
Admire the panoramic view of the harbor, the old town, and the marina from the 33.5-meter-high lighthouse. Walk along the Saint-Louis pier promenade and discover the history of the ship L’Exodus.
Nature
The Bagnas Nature Reserve
Explore the Bagnas Nature Reserve, located between Marseillan and Cap d’Agde, with its 561 hectares of hiking trails and 250 bird species.
Nature
Le Mont Saint-Clair
Explore Mount Saint-Clair for a panoramic view of the Thau Archipelago from its 175-meter summit. You’ll walk through the White Stones forest.
Nature
The Aresquiers Path
Follow one of the largest protected areas of the lagoon. After encountering the pink flamingos, the trail takes you through a pine forest filled with a thousand fragrances.
Vineyard
the Picpoul de Pinet
Vineyard
Les Caves Richemer
Explore the Richemer cellars to taste white and rosé wines.
Gastronomy
the Bouillabaisse à la Sétoise
Gastronomy
the Oysters from Bouzigues
Gastronomy
Tabouriech Le St Barth
Enjoy oysters and mussels at Saint-Barth with a view of the lagoon and its oyster farms.
Gastronomy
La Tielle Setoise
Although the Tielle originates from Sète, it is often associated with the cuisine of Béziers. The Tielle Sétoise is a delicious small pie made with octopus and a slightly spicy tomato sauce. It’s hard to recommend the best one — even among locals from Sète, it’s a matter of debate...
Swimming
the Sete Beach
Swimming
the Mèze Beach
Swimming
the Marseillan Beach
Swimming
Robinson Beach
To the east of Marseillan, near Sète, this fine sandy beach is ideal for relaxing during your boat cruise without a license. It offers privacy thanks to a natural dune, is accessible to people with reduced mobility, and provides a family-friendly atmosphere with calm waters.
Swimming
the Bouzigues Beach
Swimming
The Honor Beach
Honor Beach in Marseillan, located along the Pisse Saumes canal, stands out as the town’s main beach for several reasons: its proximity to the port and recreational activities, its picturesque promenade, easy access to Avenue de la Méditerranée, and the installation of an audio beach system for people with disabilities.
Sports and leisure activities
Circuit Patrimonial de Marseillan-Ville
Explore the history of Marseillan through 14 stops, including the port, Place Carnot, the Bayle Castle, and the Henri Maurin Theater.
Sports and leisure activities
Balade équestre
Starting from the Mèze stables, play the role of a rider and explore the garrigue and the Thau Lagoon with family or friends. Pony or horseback rides will take you along the Via Domitia, through the Moure hills, around the Thau Lagoon, and along the Mediterranean coast.From Sète to Palavas les Flots, 20 km, 0 Lock(s), 2.7 h of navigation
Stopover : Sète > Frontignan > Palavas les Flots
River constructions
the bridge of Frontignan
With an air draft of only 1.5m, it is necessary to wait for its deck to raise to pass on a barge. This occurs twice each day, at 8:30 and 16:00.
Vineyard
the Muscat de Frontignan
Vineyard
the Muscat de Lunel
From Palavas les Flots to Aigues Mortes, 22 km, 0 Lock(s), 2.9 h of navigation
Stopover : Palavas les Flots > Carnon > La Grande Motte > Aigues Mortes
Monument
Aigues-Mortes
This fortified town was built by Louis XIV in the 13th century. Its most significant monument is the Tower of Constance, which in times gone by served as a state prison.
Monument
Palavas-Les-Flots
Palavas-les-Flots, located 20 minutes from Montpellier at the mouth of the Lez River, is a former fishing village whose name derives from "palus-avis," meaning "the bird marsh." It offers visitors shops, restaurants, cafés, a casino, water sports, and more.
Monument
Phare de la Méditerranée
Explore the Phare de la Méditerranée, a former water tower transformed into a restaurant with panoramic views. Relax in Parc Saint-Pierre, located at the foot of the lighthouse.
Monument
Tour des Remparts
Walk along the medieval ramparts and take the walkway for a panoramic view of the Camargue. Admire the panorama over the pink waters of the famous salt flats from the southern rampart.
Monument
La Grande-Motte
Designed in the 1960s by architect Jean Balladur, La Grande Motte is a seaside resort famous for its unique pyramid-shaped architecture. The town offers several kilometers of fine sandy beaches, a modern marina, and various water activities. A popular tourist destination, La Grande Motte attracts visitors with its summer atmosphere, festivals, and events throughout the year.
Nature
Salin d’Aigues-Mortes
Take a small train excursion to the Salin d’Aigues-Mortes to discover the salt production process of the Camargue. Learn about the formation of Camargue’s Fleur de Sel by visiting the salt pans’ crystallizers.
Nature
Parc du Levant
Enjoy a relaxing time in this lovely park with its small lake, waterfall, and aviary. Discover the Redoute Ballestras, a former watchtower that now houses the Albert Dubout Museum.
Swimming
the Palavas les Flots Beach
Swimming
the Carnon Beach
Sports and leisure activities
Ponant Aventure
For thrill-seekers, explore the 10 treetop adventure courses at Ponant Aventure, featuring over 140 challenges between sky and sea. This park offers an exceptional view from the wooden masts, which reach nearly 25 meters high.
Sports and leisure activities
The Big Blue
Spend a relaxing day at Le Grand Bleu water park. Enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, hot tubs, and green spaces perfect for picnicking.
Sports and leisure activities
Le transcanal
Try the Transcanal, the shortest cable car in the world offering a panoramic view of the beach.From Aigues Mortes to St Gilles, 26 km, 0 Lock(s), 3.5 h of navigation
Stopover : Aigues Mortes > Gallician > St Gilles
Monument
Aigues-Mortes
This fortified town was built by Louis XIV in the 13th century. Its most significant monument is the Tower of Constance, which in times gone by served as a state prison.
Monument
Saint Gilles
The Abbey of Saint-Gilles dates back to the 10th century. This former Benedictine monastery has been one of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France since 1998.
Monument
Tour des Remparts
Walk along the medieval ramparts and take the walkway for a panoramic view of the Camargue. Admire the panorama over the pink waters of the famous salt flats from the southern rampart.
Monument
L’Abbatiale de Saint-Gilles
Explore this 12th-century abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the sculpted façade, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, featuring a frieze dedicated to the Passion of Christ. And finally, discover the monumental crypt that houses the tomb of Saint Giles.
Nature
Salin d’Aigues-Mortes
Take a small train excursion to the Salin d’Aigues-Mortes to discover the salt production process of the Camargue. Learn about the formation of Camargue’s Fleur de Sel by visiting the salt pans’ crystallizers.
Nature
the birds of Camargue
The Rhône delta, between Sète and Beaucaire, is a great location to see the birds of the Camargue: the pink flamingo, the common cuckoo, the Eurasian coot, the great crested grebe, the European bee-eater and the kingfisher, as well as the wild Camargue horses.From St Gilles to Beaucaire, 24 km, 1 Lock(s), 3.4 h of navigation
Stopover : St Gilles > Bellegarde > Beaucaire
Monument
Beaucaire
This town of Art and History, renowned for its summer festivals and bullfighting traditions, also features some must-see monuments, from the Church of Saint-Paul to the Town Hall, not to mention the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers.
Monument
Saint Gilles
The Abbey of Saint-Gilles dates back to the 10th century. This former Benedictine monastery has been one of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France since 1998.
Monument
L’Abbatiale de Saint-Gilles
Explore this 12th-century abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the sculpted façade, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, featuring a frieze dedicated to the Passion of Christ. And finally, discover the monumental crypt that houses the tomb of Saint Giles.
Vineyard
the Costière de Nîmes
Vineyard
the Clairette de Bellegarde
Gastronomy
the Chicken 'Monsieur Beaucaire'
Swimming
the frontignan Beach
From Beaucaire to St Gilles, 24 km, 1 Lock(s), 3.4 h of navigation
Stopover : Beaucaire > Bellegarde > St Gilles
Monument
Beaucaire
This town of Art and History, renowned for its summer festivals and bullfighting traditions, also features some must-see monuments, from the Church of Saint-Paul to the Town Hall, not to mention the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers.
Monument
Saint Gilles
The Abbey of Saint-Gilles dates back to the 10th century. This former Benedictine monastery has been one of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France since 1998.
Monument
L’Abbatiale de Saint-Gilles
Explore this 12th-century abbey, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the sculpted façade, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, featuring a frieze dedicated to the Passion of Christ. And finally, discover the monumental crypt that houses the tomb of Saint Giles.
Vineyard
the Costière de Nîmes
Vineyard
the Clairette de Bellegarde
Gastronomy
the Chicken 'Monsieur Beaucaire'
Swimming
the frontignan Beach
Bike
Bike
Tow paths provide an ideal place to ride your bikeThe Locks
1 type(s) of lock(s) on The Camargue- Automatic locks operated by boaters themselves, without a lock-keeper